LCDR Aine Sherlock - Going Through Changes

[Aine Sherlock]

((OOC: Little starter to get into the scene overall.))

((Sherlock's Quarters, Deck 2, USS Octavia E. Butler))

There she was again, standing in front of the mirror. Though this time it was out of nervousness in having to decide the future of another officer's career. No, tonight, that would be Lia's job...in a way.

It was awards night, and it was formal. Which meant it was time to break out the dress whites and the ribbons. Everything was fitted well. Combadge, pips, and ribbons...all donned per regulation and squared up. But like always, it looked off to her.

Martinson: Are you always this nervous before these?

Aine looked up in the mirror at Mel's reflection, wearing the same style of uniform.

Sherlock: I just ::beat:: it's very ::beat:: public.

Martinson: Ah. Graves?

Sherlock: ::cracking a slight grin:: Yeah. And... ::she gestured to the rows of ribbons on her chest::

He stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, but just so, best not to wrinkle her uniform.

Martinson: They're just a representation of what you've done.

Sherlock: ::pointing to a crimson ribbon with two vertical bands:: Like blowing up my away team. ::pointing to a deep purple ribbon with an inverted black vee:: Or getting shot. ::shrugging::

Martinson: Or ::pointing in the mirror to a blue, gold, and red striped ribbon with a single bronze star:: meeting new species. You know some officers never make first contact their whole careers? Or ::pointing to a white and blue striped ribbon:: help save Federation citizens in what could have been one of the worst terrorist attacks since the Dominion sabotaged Earth.

She continued to look at the rack of ribbons in the mirror. Nothing ever made her feel comfortable about them. She'd just prefer to do her job and that it be just that.

Martinson: And I know you do like seeing others get them.

That part did bring a smile to her face. Ever since the first time she attended an awards ceremony on Vulcan with the crew of the Resolution, that had always been the most important part. Others. She remembered how nervous she was, sitting at a table of an Ambassador. A surprise appearance by their injured Captain, then Fleet Captain Nicholotti. Her and Yogan getting a death stare from then Commander MacKenzie for talking about a prank Yogan's roommate had played on him with his Universal Translator. It was also the first time she'd met Iljor, the recently graduated Science Ensign. Her kinda, sorta, but not really boyfriend Tai had introduced himself rather rudely to the young man and Aine hadn't taken kindly to that. It ended up being the start to the end of a relationship that had barely started. And now...now Iljor was leaving.

Change. It was an ever constant ghost in Starfleet. It never went away. But she was excited for him and was sure their paths would cross again in the future.

Sherlock: Speaking of, there's a few big announcements tonight.

Martinson: Well I know what a couple of them are. ::giving her a slight squeeze::

Sherlock: Yeah, I need to work on keeping better secrets.

His arms around her seemed to calm her. She felt safe. Not from danger but from her own mind and wandering thoughts. With him, she didn't have to hide behind the uniform or the badge. He knew her, the real her that she was often afraid to let out.

Sherlock: Thanks for coming tonight, even if you didn't have to be there.

((short time skip, The Writer's Room, Deck 8, USS Octavia E. Butler))

When they entered the Writer's Room, people had already started to gather at their tables. Much like the ceremony she witnessed on the 'Oumuamua, everyone was split up by their departments. Security and Tactical had claimed their table already. And Lia appeared to be getting ready, standing close by the dais, to start the evening.

Sherlock: I'll be over there. ::pointing to the table::

Martinson: And I'll be over there. ::pointing to the bar:: I'll have a drink waiting for you when you're done.

They gave each other a nod as they separated. The table was nearly full when she got to it and she quickly claimed a seat.

Sherlock: Mister Richards, Mister Kessler. I trust you're both well?

Kessler/Richards: response

Sherlock: ::to Kessler:: Is Michele not coming?

Kessler/Richards: response

Sherlock: Either way, she should still be here. If anything to at least make a good appearance.

Kessler/Richards: response

((OOC: Either of you can feel free to drop in any of Lia's parts and/or continue talking until our table is up.))

LCDR Aine Sherlock

Chief of Security

U.S.S. Octavia E. Butler

R239712AS0